Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
CD Of the Week: R. Kelly "Untitled"
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Thoughts on HipHop/"Untitled" Benjamin Starr project update
My thoughts on HipHop right now, isnt as bad as a lot of people would think. I think we're at a musical point of rebirth, as far as the artform goes. Alot of the pockets of the culture are being exposed to the masses, i.e. Club music, intellectual music, hipster movements. We shouldn't shun any of these different styles, but use them to emphasize our own identities and even as a change of pace to the person who wouldn't otherwise consider it at all. So other than utterly belligerent and ignorant forms of Rap (lol), Big Shot Outs to the Gucci Manes, Wales, Lupes, Hovs, Kwelis and Jeezy's of the Hip Hop umbrella...
Anyways, I'm currently in and out of the studio constantly workin on the all original project i'll be droppin in January; as of right now its untitled, but thats bound to change. Anyways in an era where niggaz drop meaningless mixtape after meaningless mixtape, I wanted to switch it up and give the people a musical journey into the mind of an introspective emcee. Stories of Poverty, Artistry, Broken Hearts, and the real life outside of everybody's house, apartment or car window... Props to some of the best Producers in SC and beyond I've worked with so far... Carlos "Gran" Whiteside, Bigg Serg, Rill Williams and Boonie Mayfield of Denver... More updates comin soon...
StarrSh!p BlAck
From Associated Content: Tupac, The Greatest Philosopher
A Tribute to Tupac Shakur
The following is a tribute of sorts to one of the greatest philosophers, entrepreneurs, businessman, musicians, writers, and poets of all time. Contrary to what you might be thinking this man had no degree from Harvard, Stanford or even John Doe community college. He did touch every facet of human life, from the poorest of the poor who represented his primary support, to the bureaucratic politicians who opposed his every word. Who might this man be you ask? This article will focus on Tupac Shakur and upon three quality characteristics he brought into this world. First Tupac’s lyrics encouraged people to stay strong especially in the face of adversity. For most individuals adversity presents a hurdle too hard to cross. For Tupac it was not only a barrier but also a constant way of life. Constant struggle is what made Tupac so amazing. Continuosly beat down by lawsuits, scandalous women, the media, Washington—just about everyone. Yet he stood strong and kept living his dream to encourage a more loving society through art. What does not kill me only makes me stronger, was something that Tupac firmly believed. Each experience, each mountain to climb, became a learning experience to grow both mentally and spiritually. Secondly Tupac’s lyrics forced people to look at themselves and change for the better. Pac would be the first one to look upon him and make himself a better man a better human being, which would intern change the environment. He firmly believed that if the community of people would only stop and look at the hate and destruction being bred and people began to change then and only then would the world be a better place. Tupac was hated because people do not like change. No one likes to see the hurt and pain of the ghettos and poverty. It’s ugly to see but Pac brought this to light when he demanded change of society. Third and probably the most influential of all his points was the fact that he took responsibility for his actions. In a world where convenience leads people to blame everyone else but themselves for their actions, Pac represented the picture of responsibility. Tupac was no saint—he like everyone made plenty of mistakes. He, unlike many people today however, did not blame his poor childhood, racism or hatred for his actions but rather took the blame upon himself. Instead he used those injustices of of bigotry, street life, and negativism as motivation. For him they produced motivations to make a difference, make change, and make a legacy for others to follow. This is evident in so many of his songs. Tupac songs symbolized (among many other themes) these three primary characteristics. For individuals who have not heard his lyrics or who are too ignorant to know what this man really represents a challenge is brought. Go and listen to his lyrics. Any album of Tupac’s there will find an idea worth living and learning. For those who complain of foul language, get the edited version. But just listen to his lyrics and the passion with which he speaks for a better society for all people. Only by following these three characteristics of will TuPacs dream come true – a better world for people of all races, all religions, and all socio-economic backgrounds.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
**AllHipHop Blueprint III Review**
Shawn Carter is a complicated man. Like many of us, he is composed of various and at times conflicting influences since his humble beginnings in Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects. But unlike us, Jay-Z for the past decade-plus has been expected to carry the torch for the eclectic, global melting pot that is Hip-hop culture. He met the challenge at the dawn of this decade courtesy of the inaugural Blueprint, which laid a sonic design for producers, and lyrically solidified Jay as one of the great emcees of all time.
But as the first decade of the new millennium closes, Marcy’s beloved son finds himself at an artistic crossroads, prompted both by high-profile missteps (Kingdom Come, Blueprint 2) and successes (The Black Album, American Gangster). The recent criticisms have been heated from fellow artists (ie. Game) and fans alike, arguing the mogul is no longer worthy of being Hip-Hop’s vanguard. Has Jay-Z regressed from trendsetter to trend follower? With those naysayers as fuel, Jay-Z attempts to construct another outline for Hip-Hop’s future in Blueprint 3 (Def Jam).
Before Jay pontificates on the future, he plainly lays out past grievances over the pulsing synth arrangements of “What We Talkin’ About.” Targets are laid on past music (Dame, Jaz-O) and street (DeHaven, Calvin Klein) associates who are framed as individuals who stumbled from personal fiscal mistakes, or incorporating a handout/welfare mentality (“Grown men/Want me to sit them on my lap/But I don’t have a beard/And Santa Claus ain’t black”). To fans and artists, Jay references Hip-Hop’s success in Obama’s historic presidential run as an awakening to eliminate embarrassing Youtube videos and senseless violent feuds from the culture (“You can come with me to the White house/Get your suit up/You stuck on hardcore/I chuck the deuce up”).
On “Thank You,” Kanye West and No ID switch gears by providing Jay with a lush, orchestral sample of Brazilian artist Marcos Valle. With flamboyant horns in tow, Jay plays innocent straight man while deconstructing anonymous emcee rivals. Although no one is named, the Brooklynite frames them as fanatics with the zeal of suicide bomber, and in the end artistically destroy themselves (“I was gonna 9/11 them/But didn’t need the help/And they did a good job/Them boys are talented as hell!”).
Fans seeking the feel of the original Blueprint soul samples can experience that same vibe on “Empire State of Mind.” With a boisterous but fitting Alicia Keys chorus, Shawn Carter encapsulates his love for NYC and incorporates name drops of everyone from Afrika Bambaatta to Bob Marley. The chemistry then extends to Young Jeezy on “Real As It Gets.” Although the Inkredibles’ production is undeniably tailored to Jeezy, Jay has no issues making the track his own by complimenting his younger colleague’s refrain duties with his trademark wit.
Unfortunately, the LP’s second half is not as cohesive and in some cases stumbles badly. The issues stem not from Jay-Z himself, but some questionable production choices and guest appearances. “Off That” falls flat because of Timbo’s unimaginative production, and a complete waste of Drake who simply delivers a forgettable, by the numbers chorus. Things don’t improve much on “Venus vs. Mars.” Jay retains the listener’s interest with a couplet-centered flow filled with rich allusions of everything from “Ether” to Star Wars’ C-3PO, but Timbaland’s production and arrangements leave you feeling this was better served for a Roc Nation mixtape.
Kanye West, who up until now was delivering some of BP 3’s best work, slips on “Hate.” Previously, West had tailored his production to Jay strengths, but here the Chicago star supplies a track that could have been an 808s & Heartbreak’s throwaway, or even worse “Drunk and Hot Girls Part 2.” Jigga gives it his best shot, even alternating vocal pitches to match the rhythm’s dirge pace and distorted vocal sample. Still, nothing can save this offering.
It’s well known that Jay-Z has been very concerned with his place among the greats since the new millennium. But another “career-recap” with “Reminder” screams overkill on several levels. Not only has it already been done better on previous albums (see Black Album, Blueprint), but the annoying, Autotune leaning chorus ironically titters close to the same formulaic music Jay vowed to eliminate on “Death of Autotune.”
With that said, there are several bright spots over the second half. Kid Cudi is another young gun reduced to chorus duties, but his vocals accentuate Kanye’s melodic, violin-centered sample loop. Jay works seamlessly with the beat, skewering crying artists who ridiculous claim he’s holding them back, and even takes a light-hearted moment to address cracks on his appearances mostly seen on message boards (“Oh they call me a camel/But I mastered the drought/What the f**k I’m animal/Half man, half mammal/My sign is a Sag/This is just what I plan to do/Oh don’t be mad”).
The Neptunes come through on “So Ambitious,” supplying Jay-Z with a jazzy, bass-heavy track reminiscent of Outkast’s Organized Noise production. Long-time fans will recognize Jay utilizing a flow similiar to his classic “In My Lifetime” single. Pharrell’s crooning doesn’t interfere, and instead listing his achievements to prove his greatness, he details his life experiences which clearly paints the same picture but without pretentiousness.
“Forever Young” closes the LP on a positive note, recapturing the vibe heard on “Beach Chair” and displaying Jay reflecting on the universal qualities of music. With all the recent digs at his age, he intuitively knows the fountain of youth is not from infantizing his music, but by creating timeless compositions that will transcend generations.
Artists with the talent of Jay-Z will always suffer from unrealistic expectations. Solid and good albums are unacceptable. Unless a classic is delivered every time, some fans will scream failure. Of course, attaching the Blueprint name to this project can do that, but on this album Jay-Z does show growth, and more importantly ambition. It’s not jaw-dropping like the first Blueprint or as succinct as the Black Album, but it’s not all over the place like BP2 and takes more risks the “safe” lane that was American Gangster (Jay can spin street hustler tales in his sleep).
Does Jay-Z need to retire? Absolutely not, and it’s ridiculous to even suggest. Blueprint 3 shows he has more to offer as an artist, and those without unbridled hate will continue to attentively follow his already legendary musical journey
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Jay-Z Blueprint 3 Album Art
"These things are like the forgotten pieces in hip-hop," Hov said in an interview. "It's still about music. It's not about radio, making gimmicks -- it's still about making music. Those things are piled in the corner. These are the forgotten things about music...The three stripes that everybody is asking about is made from the original [number] three. The first three they made on the wall was someone carving. If you look at [the number] three, all they did was connect lines. The whole thing about this album, how I approached it, is that I wanted to make a new classic to start that all over again -- to go back to making classic albums like the ones we grew up listening to." Jay-Z
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Jay-Z Says Kanye Inspired 'D.O.A.'
Who would've guessed that Kanye West, who used Auto-Tune on his most recent album, "808s and Heartbreak," was who inspired Jay-Z's latest single, "D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-tune)," off his upcoming album, "The Blueprint 3."
"He actually sparked the idea," Jay-Z told Billboard.com about the single. "When he heard the beat he said, 'Man, this is just so hard! This has to be against everything -- no auto-tune, none of that type of stuff!' He didn't know what I was going to do or where I was going to take it, but it was actually his fault."
Jay-Z says that the two recorded one track with Auto-Tune previously for "The Blueprint 3," but once "D.O.A." came about, they decided to scrap it. "After we made the 'D.O.A.' record about a month ago, we were like, 'if it's got to go, it's got to go.'"
As per his criticism of the egregious overuse of the Pro Tools plug-in, Jay-Z says it's simply part of the hip-hop culture to be out with the old and in with the new. "In hip-hop, our job is once a trend becomes a gimmick, to get rid of it. We've done that since the beginning of time," he explains. "Now people are using Auto-tune even in Wendy's commercials, and it's like, 'Oh no! That's has to go!' It's become part of main culture. It's the same thing like when the old lady in Oregon starts saying, 'bling, bling.' It's like, 'I'm never saying that again.'"
"The Blueprint 3" will be in stores September 11th on Roc Nation with distribution via Atlantic Records.
For Whom Rock the Bells tolls
Hip-hop may be dead, but Nas is alive!
By Lauren Carter
Nas, the guy who proclaimed the death of hip-hop, has come to terms with its passing.
The Queens rapper, known in hip-hop circles as the genre’s premier poet, landed on the scene in 1994 with his exalted debut, “Illmatic.” The album has remained untouchable, even by Nas himself. The rapper squashed Jay-Z in a well-publicized, multiyear battle, then made nice with his former enemy when he signed to Def Jam in 2006, pronouncing rap’s flatline with his incendiary single, “Hip Hop Is Dead.”
Three years later, Nas (real name: Nasir Jones) isn’t backpedaling on his gloomy diagnosis.
“It died - we’re just picking up the bones in the graveyard and banging drums with the bones and re-creating what was there,” Nas said from a tour bus traveling through Maryland. He performs at the Comcast Center on Saturday with Ice Cube, the Roots, Common, Busta Rhymes and a host of others on this year’s Rock the Bells tour.
“It’s definitely died, but that doesn’t mean that records can’t be made, that that thing can’t happen to get the world in a frenzy again,” he said. “The difference is I don’t know who these people are, I don’t know what their intentions are and I don’t think they care. It’s just about money. And that’s cool, I like money. But it’s dead, you know, basically.
“I’m glad it became a business because that’s the way of life and that’s the way it happens. But before it was the thing to do, it was the most scariest, most beautiful, the most genius you ever witnessed. Now it’s just a ghost of what it was. Artists get signed all over the place. They get told to make music like this or that, tattoo themselves up and they think they’re gangstas and that’s rap.”
While he says rap is dead, Nas, 35, continues to go to work.
He’s currently wrapping up “Distant Relatives,” a collaboration album with reggae singer Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley that began to take shape when Nas appeared on Marley’s last record, “Welcome to Jamrock,” in 2005.
“When we started to talk about this, we started to feel like it would be something special, something different,” Nas said. “We have the opportunity to do something totally interesting and take it to a different place than before, so each song always turns out to be something new for me.”
Nas said he has yet to determine the direction of his next solo album and doesn’t know if the drama of his pending divorce from singer Kelis will influence his music. But he’s sure of one thing: He won’t be employing Auto-Tune on what will be his 10th album.
“It’s not my thing,” he said of the vocal distortion plug-in. “It’s hot, but it’s not what I do. It’s not what I really listen to either.”
But while Nas the rapper has no need for Auto-Tune, Nas the rap documentarian believes its popularity is a necessary phenomenon. “Auto-Tune’s gonna be the (expletive) like 10 years from now,” he said. “We’re gonna all remember that time when Auto-Tune was what everyone was doing. And you need moments like that. It’s like, ‘Wow, remember when everybody had synthesizer beats? Or remember when everybody used to do cuts in their choruses? Or use this kind of sample or use that kind of drum machine? It’s just another moment in music.
“Everything comes to an end and goes to a new phase. So records like ‘D.O.A.’ have to be made right now. That’s why I did ‘Hip Hop Is Dead.’ These records have to be made. It’s rappers making records that resemble what the real rap sounds like to shake up all this other (stuff).”
Nas doesn’t aspire to be an executive with a corner office or a mogul with a clothing line and a brand of energy drinks. So if being the second coming of Jay-Z isn’t part of his future, what is?
“A farm with horses and (stuff) like that,” he said. “Good life, fresh food and fresh air. Good times, just that. Life is a business. You pay a doctor to deliver babies, you pay a funeral parlor to embalm you and put you in the ground. You can’t get in no lane without paying a toll. Everything’s all about business.
“You can’t escape business. So I’m trying to escape it as much as possible. You know, that’s what I do. The total opposite.”
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Benjamin Starr- Free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One of the many studio session tracks...shouts out to BeatBanga Studios and Higher Level Entertainment Music Group and B Squared...
Basicly just a sort of "gettin things off my chest" track....check it out...
http://www.zshare.net/download/62676475b406bfd3/]BenStarr- Free.wma - 4.01MB
Basicly just a sort of "gettin things off my chest" track....check it out...
http://www.zshare.net/download/62676475b406bfd3/]BenStarr- Free.wma - 4.01MB
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!!!!!!
THIS IS A MOVEMENT THATS STARTING UP RIGHT NOW!!!! MUCH LOVE TO MY BOYZ B-SQUARED!!!! YALL GET YOUNG RIGHCHUS DEBUT ALBUM!!!!!! ITS SICK!!!!! GOD BLESS HIM FOR LETTIN ME DO MY THING ON HIS PROJECT!!!! CHECK IT OUT YALL ITS CALLED THE CHAOS THEORY!!!!!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Black Bullshit
Sometimes I sit in a drunken stare, gazing at myself in the mirror
As if to speak volumes of self
My inner most secrets, I keep it
It gives my own dreams new themes and my mind schemes depth
The more original the man, the more potent to his land
The more positive his outlook, the more he will understand
In an era where our brethren are dying over trade
And dying overseas in many army brigades,
Young boys with sagging jeans and dreds instead of braids
Invest time into drugs and guns instead of grades
And the meth, smack, crack-cocaine…
Not only runs rampant in the streets but rampant in our veins,
Slaves in mental chains, in the wait of Moses
From the youngest to the oldest, the modest and the boldest
the ignorant even know of this wrath
no Hebrew babies put in baskets…they’re only black babies in the trash
Found This on the Web: "Why Nas is the Goat"
And I didn't write this but agree totally...
One of the most controversial debates that always been forever sprouted heatedly time after time is who's the greatest emcee? I came to this conclusion, albeit unbiased, that the man who's government name is Nasir Jones, had not only was given expectations, but lived up to those expectations as being the greatest rapper to ever held the mic...Now don't get this confused, most elitist want to look at technical skill, and any hater would find the most unnecessary excuse or reason to say why he couldn't be...I look at it like this:RAKIM- The most renowned emcee, he set the standard of what emceeing is 20 years ago to this day. Most people would consider for that very reason alone, and how he was at his peak ('86-'91), he should be the greatest to ever do it.JAY-Z- Jay-z is the most commercially successful, and I’m speaking both figuratively as well as the obvious being literally rapper to ever do it. 2nd being Eminem when it comes to achieving so much success all due to the fact you can rhyme good. The stages he set for himself, along with the so-called retirement and so-called comeback, and how he is still celebrated in most cases, will give him a rightful claim as the greatest to ever.2PAC- Quite possibly the most influential man in hip-hop history. Also he's the most celebrated; being that his albums sold more DEAD while alive, making him the highest selling rap artist ever. The man, the myth, or whatever you want to look at it, symbolizes him as the greatestBIGGIE- The most beloved rapper. It’s very arguable to suggest that had Biggie lived, jay-z's success would have been limited. Jay-z himself openly admitted on wax several times that his intentions was to fill Biggie's shoes, before that he was merely Biggie's sidekick. Biggie had every potential in being the greatest to ever did it, but unfortunately cut short.KRS-ONE- probably the most multi-facet of all emcees, and pretty much set up the blueprint of so many styles and character of what or how emcees should be. A lot of emcee's styles were born through this man whether they know it or not, even right down to dancehall lyricism, gangsterism, political rap, battle emcee...you name it, he was basically the pioneer of it all, which justifies his legitimacy as being the greatest...And there's several others you personally want to consider, but why Nas?It initially took someone like KRS-ONE to really start thinking about it. I mean this is KRS-ONE, one of the most arrogant, egotistical man in hip-hop, doing a TRIBUTE to another rapper that has not YET reached his final edge in rap. Why? Why would someone like KRS-ONE would even reach out to Nas with so much gratitude?I came to full swing of this conclusion a couple of days ago with the coastal, generational "where are they now" remixes, where Nas manages to do what no one thought was capable to pull off...which is to bring back some of the most forgotten old school rappers back for one more hoorah...in the name of hip-hopBut that wasn't the SOLE reason why I consider him the greatest...it's the reflection of his entire career. It’s like now what else does he have to prove to show his greatness, when he pretty much done and achieve it all?It all starts with ILLMATICWhat was crazy about this album was that the critics KNEW well ahead of time that that album would be something of historic proportions. I can honestly say it was the most hyped up album WITHOUT controversy being the driving force ever in hip-hop, all because of two posse cuts and one song off of the zebra head soundtrack. all this hype behind a young TEENAGERif you REALLY stop to think about it, the majority of the rhymes from that album was written between 91-93 when Nas was only between the ages of 17 and 19 years of age...in fact, the verse from "verbal intercourse" was written around that time as well (go check the pre-Illmatic demo), and THAT was considered Nas' greatest verse ever.Illmatic was TOO great, it was TOO perfect which haunts him to this day; the crazy fact is he feels that if he raps "beyond the margin" again he will distance himself with his core audience. Right now he's in the perfect marriage. I mean, I cannot name a rapper, past or present in where he have that complete freedom of expression for an emcee WITHOUT worry of being characterized to one element....Nas is NOT a backpacker, but the backpackers can relate...Nas is NOT a gangster rapper, but the street niggaz can relate, he's not political, he's not POP, he's not none of those things, BUT he possesses everything for everybody. I look at Nas like I would look at what tiger woods have become today....when wood was just a teen, people ALWAYS had expectations of him possibly being the greatest to do it...and this was BEFORE he went pro! Same similarities...even woods his a hardening slump, mainly due to the illness of his father, just like Nas was going thru with his mother during the late 90's..which pushed him into an identity crisis...but it's NOT how they fell off, but how they CAMEBACK...and both of them came back with force, something that even RAKIM never could achieve or Big Daddy Kane or any of the fallen off rappers with the exception of LL...then there's the greatest and still most talked about battle of all-time, in which Nas gave us a new slang with the word "ether"...a battle that a lot of people would look at it as Ali vs. Foreman...AKA the "rumble in the jungle" and like Foreman, Jay-z being the heavily favorite and Nas, like Ali, being washed up and played out...and like Muhammad Ali, who people consider him "the greatest", the reason being the things and circumstances that were set up for him to conquer...it was like it was destined for Nas to battle Jay-z...and come thru greater than he did when he 1st started...it was destined for him to debut the way he did...putting out one of the greatest ALBUMS of any genre from our generation...it was destined, regardless of how you feel about the source, past or present, to be the ONLY rapper to be given 5 mics twice, and to have the most hip-hop quotables .. it was destined for him to spark so much controversy over his SOLE opinion in his reasoning as to why "hip-hop is dead"...and it was destined for him to do everything, today, not because of sales...he himself admits he don't care about sales anymore..but for the love of the cultureNas have a catalog of lyrics within his 16 years in the rap game that are one of the most amazing forms of literature in rap ever. 16 YEARS WORTH..starting with the 1st one from main source's "live at the BBQ"..whether it be storytelling, or merely something form his "book of rhymes"...nas pretty much touched every angle that needs to be reached in rap music...and he is still going on strong
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Top 5 MC's (contd)..
For the People who hate on the South, this one is for yall! Rounding out my Top 5 MC's is Scarface...The King of the South before their was a "King of the South".
With his solo debut in 1991, his lyricism, wordplay and vivid storytelling was unheard of at that time in the eyes of many (from an MC from somewhere other than up north). Between stellar releases like his debut, Mr. Scarface is Back, Last of a Dying Breed, The Fix, MADE and Emeritus his catalogue is crazy. And of many of the Heavy Hitters in the south he has simply done it the longest....and the BEST.
Brad Jordan has worked with Everybody who's anybody (even three of my other Top 5 MC's) and he has influenced many Hip Hop artists. He definitely earned his place in my Top 5 List.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Top 5 MC's (contd)..
Alot of people may be upset because I don't have BIG first on the list but I don't care (lol) because this list is of My Top 5 MC's of all time (in no particular order).
Anyways where do I start with Biggie aka the Notorious BIG...the Top Selling Rap Solo Artist at the Time of his Death, Ready to Die LP (Ridiculous), Life After Death (Double Disc..CLASSIC), The Club bangers, the street classics, the beef with Pac, Dominating New York rap, the flow, the storytelling, and the persona. Biggie was larger than Life HipHop. His whole demeanor was just what niggaz wanted to be even if they weren't big, dark or watever else.
His career was cut terribly short, but what we do have from him is definitely enough to have him exactly where he is in HipHop...Top 5 Dead or Alive. The Notorious BIG is arguably the GOAT..... PERIOD..
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Rick Ross "Deeper Than Rap" Album Review (HipHopDX)
Amidst controversies and rap scandals, Rick Ross [click to read] has managed to force himself into the collective consciousness of Hip Hop fans, successfully branding himself as “the real deal,” despite events that would seem to indicate otherwise. But for all the inconsistencies in Ross’ tales of pushing weight, he’s always managed to deliver in the music-making department. Deeper Than Rap is no different, as “the Boss” continues his penchant for combining hard-hitting production with some good old-fashioned hedonistic Rap.
The number one expectation when listening to a Rick Ross album lies with the production, and in this aspect, Deeper Than Rap does not disappoint. The majority of the sound here is very rich without sounding overproduced and shiny. Whether listening to the minimalistic claps over heavy organs in “Mafia Music” or the swanky yet defiant keys and horns in “Yacht Club,” there’s little to complain in the musical department. Still, there’s definitely some fluff, particularly when Ross relies on R&B tracks. The “All I Really Want” is far too shiny and the same can be said of “Lay Back.” To its credit, the former has an infectious hook courtesy of The-Dream, while the latter may be the worst of Robin Thicke’s career.
Immediately evident, even more so than the stellar production, is Ross’ vastly improved emceeing. Big Daddy Kane he ain’t, but no longer is Ross simply talking over tracks. While his flows aren’t complicated or astonishing in the least, they are clean and he rides the beat well. Perhaps it’s a testament to how bad his prior technical abilities were rather than his current ones are; either way, he’s definitely gotten better. One need look no further than “Mafia Music” where Ross confidently rhymes, “That boy had it hard, no facade it’s the truth/So now when I ménage and get massaged it’s the proof/Proof’s in the pudding and that baking soda takin’/Paper dat I’m makin’ gotta take them photos naked/Listenin’ to niggas like whistlin’ at Wendy Williams/I flip my middle finger, I’m chillin on twenty million/The rumors turn me on I’m masturbating at the top/These hoes so excited so they catchin’ every drop/I’m dodging debacles like pot holes in Jamaica/We cut down the weed, bury the paper on them acres/Martin had a dream, Bob got high/I still do both but somehow I got by.”
While Rick Ross can’t keep the topic of cocaine interesting for nearly as long as artists like The Clipse, Raekwon or Jay-Z, and songs like “Rich Off Cocaine” are painfully monotonous, nothing is worse than his insistence to rap about sex for a sizable portion of the album. While it would be unfair to accuse Rick Ross of trying to appeal to everyone, his reach definitely surpasses his grasp on these tracks. On “All I Really Want,” Ross delivers laughable lines like “Who can hit it more faster/I’m talking authentic orgasms…/She said life is a journey/I need mine just like my attorney.” And what’s the point of “Face?” It’s “Getting’ Some Head” part two. The only purpose songs like these serve are to make the otherwise commonplace subject matter of drugs and violence more interesting.
While Rick Ross’ third outing could benefit from fewer R&B tracks, there’s no denying his choice in production or his improved writing. Solid guest spots from Nas, John Legend and Kanye also contribute to what ends up being an extremely solid album. Similar to fellow rappers The Game and Young Jeezy, Ross continues to develop a reputation for being able to put together a complete product – despite repetitive subject matter. So no, there’s not much depth to Deeper than Rap, but that doesn’t supersede its impressive execution.
Top 5 MCs (contd)..
The model of consistency in Rap. The sick flow that literally gave birth to the evolved Weezy F Baby. The punchlines, the metaphors, the entendres, the style, the Classics, the Sales. I guess Hov said it best when he said, "I'm not a businessman, I'm a business...man..". From Reasonable Doubt, to the Blueprint up thru the latest effort American Gangster, Hov's been holding it down on a higher level for 13 years! After the departure of BIG, Hov not only put Brooklyn on his back, but hell NY too. Successfully crossing over to a more commercial audience while still staying tru to his subject matter. He's won Grammys. He survived arguably one of the best on wax rap beefs in HipHop wit Nas, and not too mention at 40 he is still relevant in 20 year old's generation. There's not too many things people can say about Hov, other than the good ole "He stole BIG's rhymes" plea. Regardless he is arguably the GOAT...PERIOD.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Top 5 MCs...(contd)
If Nas is Da Vinci....Simply put Pac is the Michelangelo of HipHop for me. Hands down Pac was the quaint essential MC for me. He had it all; Crazy storytelling, a poetic flow, the lyrical prowess and still conscious. He could keep the club rockin all nite or the poets writing. Great perfromances and stage presence as well as on the Big Screen where he (as crazy as it sounds) had an even more promising career. That will never be duplicated again in rap. And whats crazy is all of the quality material he put out between 1991 and well....now. I wonder if people realized that the verse that was put on the Keyshia Cole single "Play Your Cards Right" is probably over 13 years old and its still ROCK!!! Pac was the fighter for our culture, the poet, the actor, the philosopher and REPRESENTATIVE of THUG LIFE. Need i even mention the sales, the following, the albums: Strictly 4 My Niggaz, All Eyez on ME (1st Double CD Album in HipHop), Me Against the World, and Makaveli. The Beef wit BIG, being shot 5 times and surviving to put out a Classic Album. What more can i say about 2pac Shakur??? Son of a Black Panther, nephew of Assatta Shakur, arguably the GOAT... PERIOD.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Top 5 MC's
Ok I been on a brief hiatus but its ok cus i got alot of hot stuff for ya...
But anyway lets get to the core of this one...Everybody has their own version of their Top 5 MC's of all time. Of course i have my own too! First before I start getting into it I want to say I don't really care if you agree with my Top 5 MC's List, I just feel I have to voice my opinion and to me they are the ones who have meant the most to Hip Hop and have also done it the Best...So let's go..
Nas
Alot of people may be shocked at that selection but it is what it is. When it comes to flow, storytelling, Killing features, Classic Albums and a crazy catalogue; he is in a league where not alot of rappers will ever get too. Lyrically Nas is a beast!! Not to mention he's dropped three #1 Albums since the Crazy beef with Jigga! He''s got Classics...ie Illmatic, Stillmatic, Untitled (yea i said it!). Hes gone platinum in every era of Rap since the 90's; Biggie-Pac Era, Pre-Millennium Era, Millennium Era, and as Recently as the late 2000's. And dude is 18 years and 10 albums deep in Rap!!!!!! All that achieved without being a heavily commercial rap Artist...you really don't realize how crazy that it until you dive into the music business like i have recently! Nas is in my opinion arguably the GOAT. Period.
Stay Tuned for my #2......
But anyway lets get to the core of this one...Everybody has their own version of their Top 5 MC's of all time. Of course i have my own too! First before I start getting into it I want to say I don't really care if you agree with my Top 5 MC's List, I just feel I have to voice my opinion and to me they are the ones who have meant the most to Hip Hop and have also done it the Best...So let's go..
Nas
Alot of people may be shocked at that selection but it is what it is. When it comes to flow, storytelling, Killing features, Classic Albums and a crazy catalogue; he is in a league where not alot of rappers will ever get too. Lyrically Nas is a beast!! Not to mention he's dropped three #1 Albums since the Crazy beef with Jigga! He''s got Classics...ie Illmatic, Stillmatic, Untitled (yea i said it!). Hes gone platinum in every era of Rap since the 90's; Biggie-Pac Era, Pre-Millennium Era, Millennium Era, and as Recently as the late 2000's. And dude is 18 years and 10 albums deep in Rap!!!!!! All that achieved without being a heavily commercial rap Artist...you really don't realize how crazy that it until you dive into the music business like i have recently! Nas is in my opinion arguably the GOAT. Period.
Stay Tuned for my #2......
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Good Days...Hard Days
Been MIA like Dwayne Wade for a few days but its all for good reason...
HLE been putting in a lot of good work lately...getting Events booked and trying to meet all my production deadlines. I'm meeting with a few producers today to see what's up wit the different sounds I'm tryna put on the project.
I kinda feel like I got the best of both worlds being from the south in this HipHop thing because I'm able to vibe to Southern Rap, Chicago Rap, West Coast, Texas, Midwest and NY rap and soak it all in respectively. But 1st things 1st I'm a lyricist/ Emcee, definitely reppin SC to the fullest tho...
Got a lot more Classic covers I'm gonna be posting up soon on the site too...
Also the joint me and my boi Jus Nice did called "Someday We'll All Be Free"...Student-C hit him up wit the production and he holla'd at me to do a verse...took it ova to him...laid it down and that brings us to the finished product... I'll be POSTING IT ASAP...
For those of yall who don't have Kiss Album...GO GET IT!!! HEAT!!!!!!
Shout out to my homechica Tee-bird on her 21st!!!! Me and my peeps gonna be celebrating wit her @ Club Dreams in the Met tomorrow night....Higher Level Definitely!!!!
Still Grinding...Righchuss man I'm still waiting on your joint to drop man!!! We here Farreal man...
Anyways I'm out....
Ben_Starr
HLE been putting in a lot of good work lately...getting Events booked and trying to meet all my production deadlines. I'm meeting with a few producers today to see what's up wit the different sounds I'm tryna put on the project.
I kinda feel like I got the best of both worlds being from the south in this HipHop thing because I'm able to vibe to Southern Rap, Chicago Rap, West Coast, Texas, Midwest and NY rap and soak it all in respectively. But 1st things 1st I'm a lyricist/ Emcee, definitely reppin SC to the fullest tho...
Got a lot more Classic covers I'm gonna be posting up soon on the site too...
Also the joint me and my boi Jus Nice did called "Someday We'll All Be Free"...Student-C hit him up wit the production and he holla'd at me to do a verse...took it ova to him...laid it down and that brings us to the finished product... I'll be POSTING IT ASAP...
For those of yall who don't have Kiss Album...GO GET IT!!! HEAT!!!!!!
Shout out to my homechica Tee-bird on her 21st!!!! Me and my peeps gonna be celebrating wit her @ Club Dreams in the Met tomorrow night....Higher Level Definitely!!!!
Still Grinding...Righchuss man I'm still waiting on your joint to drop man!!! We here Farreal man...
Anyways I'm out....
Ben_Starr
Friday, April 3, 2009
Getting It In...
So last nite me and the fellas from HLE kinda kicked it and talked up some good scenarios for the project. We also visited one of the studios up here in Spartanburg...needless to say IT WAS ON POINT!!! The engineer was real on point, not to mention he had a STRONG sense of GOOD music...so we're gonna schedule the sessions with him for late April and really start gettin it in!!
On another note HLE is still networking heavy right now....Being introduced to some really interesting people that can really be a BIG part of what we're trying to do with our MUSIC, our BRAND and our MOVEMENT...
I also kinda made up my mind that I wanna give the people at least 11 original tracks on my project with anything else just being an added bonus... I'm leaning towards that direction because i just feel like I'm very versatile lyrically, and from a song making standpoint i have alot to say; whether it be talking about growing up without a father, being poorer than other lil kids, or seeing what the dark side of our culture (i.e. drugs, murder, etc) can do to a young man growing up in South Carolina...
PLAIN AND SIMPLE...i was never a fan of being real boastful or "feelin myself" as far as this music goes...I just put it out there and let it be what is...
while saying that this is one of the early joints i did with my homeboi Jus Nice...it's a cover of "Greatest Inspiration"...just smoothin it out and maybe I was just talkin about a female that doesn't exist...or maybe SHE does...........but that's another story...
I'm out....
Ben_Starr
On another note HLE is still networking heavy right now....Being introduced to some really interesting people that can really be a BIG part of what we're trying to do with our MUSIC, our BRAND and our MOVEMENT...
I also kinda made up my mind that I wanna give the people at least 11 original tracks on my project with anything else just being an added bonus... I'm leaning towards that direction because i just feel like I'm very versatile lyrically, and from a song making standpoint i have alot to say; whether it be talking about growing up without a father, being poorer than other lil kids, or seeing what the dark side of our culture (i.e. drugs, murder, etc) can do to a young man growing up in South Carolina...
PLAIN AND SIMPLE...i was never a fan of being real boastful or "feelin myself" as far as this music goes...I just put it out there and let it be what is...
while saying that this is one of the early joints i did with my homeboi Jus Nice...it's a cover of "Greatest Inspiration"...just smoothin it out and maybe I was just talkin about a female that doesn't exist...or maybe SHE does...........but that's another story...
I'm out....
Ben_Starr
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Progress...
First of all I'd like to say Happy Belated Birthday to Ben Collins!!!!! Quarter century man...Stay Strong...Luv ya bruh...
Yea yea we're still grinding really hard right now.. Working on a lot of things including formatting the mixtape/ musical project I'm working on now....tentatively titled "UNDERGRADUATE". Got alota fresh sounds on it too... Just got my boy Jus to send me through a beat yesterday...some real tough conscious type stuff farreal!....Prolly gon holla at my dude Shawn from NY and get him on that track cus when it comes to the conscious efforts me and him really vibe...
Still tryna approach the tracks I got from Free the right way too...I like to do my people's production JUSTICE and not just go and BS with em ya know...Got like 3 from him so far...and I know I'm gonna be dealing with him a lot in the future...
On another note...HLE is in the process of getting this logo together and trademarked... locking down Events and stuff...
Watch out fa ma lil dude Jay Man....Spartanburg via NY....oh yea....he's just 17...and he gets it in!!!!! (Any Soulja Boy comparisons will not be tolerated) lol
Shout out to JReed and his peeps doin his thing tonight at Club Gucci in Gville wit their College Nite they're gonna have it poppin out there on Thursday Nites....
Until next time...
I'm out... I need a haircut
Ben_Starr
Yea yea we're still grinding really hard right now.. Working on a lot of things including formatting the mixtape/ musical project I'm working on now....tentatively titled "UNDERGRADUATE". Got alota fresh sounds on it too... Just got my boy Jus to send me through a beat yesterday...some real tough conscious type stuff farreal!....Prolly gon holla at my dude Shawn from NY and get him on that track cus when it comes to the conscious efforts me and him really vibe...
Still tryna approach the tracks I got from Free the right way too...I like to do my people's production JUSTICE and not just go and BS with em ya know...Got like 3 from him so far...and I know I'm gonna be dealing with him a lot in the future...
On another note...HLE is in the process of getting this logo together and trademarked... locking down Events and stuff...
Watch out fa ma lil dude Jay Man....Spartanburg via NY....oh yea....he's just 17...and he gets it in!!!!! (Any Soulja Boy comparisons will not be tolerated) lol
Shout out to JReed and his peeps doin his thing tonight at Club Gucci in Gville wit their College Nite they're gonna have it poppin out there on Thursday Nites....
Until next time...
I'm out... I need a haircut
Ben_Starr
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Long Days...
In the beginning stages of a musical project it can be stressful as Hell farreal..lol.
Right now myself and my peeps at Higher Level Entertainment (HLE) are basicly structuring everything out as far as a direction, theme and tone for "Undergraduate". I want it to have consistent lyrical strength across the board along wit some diverse sounds to show that versatility as an Emcee.
I also wanna throw some storytelling in there. My homeboi keeps beggin me to put the story about "Puerto Rican Bobby" on there too lol but ionno bout that farreal...
Earlier today I got up wit Free and listened to some of his production...he had some HOT stuff so I copped like 3 of the joints for the project.
Imma be putting out some of the early freestyles I did, ("Dear Winter", "The Ruler's Back", and "Say You Will") soon just to keep the flow steady...
Anyways that's basicly the new news....still grindin...
Seeing the Lesson in Progression...
I'm Out
Ben_Starr
Right now myself and my peeps at Higher Level Entertainment (HLE) are basicly structuring everything out as far as a direction, theme and tone for "Undergraduate". I want it to have consistent lyrical strength across the board along wit some diverse sounds to show that versatility as an Emcee.
I also wanna throw some storytelling in there. My homeboi keeps beggin me to put the story about "Puerto Rican Bobby" on there too lol but ionno bout that farreal...
Earlier today I got up wit Free and listened to some of his production...he had some HOT stuff so I copped like 3 of the joints for the project.
Imma be putting out some of the early freestyles I did, ("Dear Winter", "The Ruler's Back", and "Say You Will") soon just to keep the flow steady...
Anyways that's basicly the new news....still grindin...
Seeing the Lesson in Progression...
I'm Out
Ben_Starr
Monday, March 30, 2009
What it is??: The Introduction
Its crazy how it happens ya know. One day you can be totally into one thing only to realize that you're totally into something else the next. It can really be like that farreal. I'm not one of the people condemning HipHop right now but i can honestly say I'm a lil disappointed with it the majority of the time. It's not so much singling out particular rappers but listening to the music as a whole its kinda redundant, and it almost gets boring sometimes man lol. Personally I'm from the south...South Carolina....843...Lowcountry kid...All day errday, and i just realize that I'm going to use my poetic/lyrical gifts to create the type of music i fell in love with about 15 years ago.
Realistically I understand we are never goin back to Reasonable Doubt, Illmatic, Ready to Die, The Chronic, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, etc. Those are classics. Realistically we can't try to be Bun B, 3000, Jigga, Scarface, Pac, Big , Nas, T.I., Luda, Ye or none of them guys cause that's gonna show a lack of creativity on our part. All we can do is approach the music the same way they did and with at least an equal or greater amount of determination to create a catalogue of music that's gonna have longevity.
And oh yea I think $$$$ fucked HipHop, RAW. But that's just what it is.
I just take it on myself to create my own brand off music, my style, my craft and my thoughts.
Peace to my people....my bro doin 10...luv ya boi. My mom, all my sisters and bros/// Pineville///Berkeley County..the place that raised me///My Upsilon Entertainment fam///Dnyce//Slick Rick///D-Mac////Higher Level Ent///Troy, Sergio///My closest chicas Sheena, Lex, Barney, Niecey, Britt, Tierra and Jazzzy///my bois Traxxx on Deck, Free and Max Berry...talented ass producers///Young Righchus, Jaylin and Jus Nice...talented Emcees from the 843...////
Welcome to Undergraduate Studies...My life in rhyme...No where to go but up... "Undergraduate" Mixtape coming soon...
I'm out
Ben_Starr
Realistically I understand we are never goin back to Reasonable Doubt, Illmatic, Ready to Die, The Chronic, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, etc. Those are classics. Realistically we can't try to be Bun B, 3000, Jigga, Scarface, Pac, Big , Nas, T.I., Luda, Ye or none of them guys cause that's gonna show a lack of creativity on our part. All we can do is approach the music the same way they did and with at least an equal or greater amount of determination to create a catalogue of music that's gonna have longevity.
And oh yea I think $$$$ fucked HipHop, RAW. But that's just what it is.
I just take it on myself to create my own brand off music, my style, my craft and my thoughts.
Peace to my people....my bro doin 10...luv ya boi. My mom, all my sisters and bros/// Pineville///Berkeley County..the place that raised me///My Upsilon Entertainment fam///Dnyce//Slick Rick///D-Mac////Higher Level Ent///Troy, Sergio///My closest chicas Sheena, Lex, Barney, Niecey, Britt, Tierra and Jazzzy///my bois Traxxx on Deck, Free and Max Berry...talented ass producers///Young Righchus, Jaylin and Jus Nice...talented Emcees from the 843...////
Welcome to Undergraduate Studies...My life in rhyme...No where to go but up... "Undergraduate" Mixtape coming soon...
I'm out
Ben_Starr
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)